Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

May 2026

Department

Ocean and Mechanical Engineering

College Granting Degree

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department Granting Degree

Ocean and Mechanical Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Tsung-Chow Su

Abstract

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) is developing the Intelligent and Resource Efficient Pond Aquaculture (IREPA) project, which aims to improve aquaculture management through the integration of predictive models and automated technologies. This approach seeks to transition traditional practices toward data-driven systems capable of supporting informed decision-making for aeration management.

This study investigates the effectiveness of different aerator configurations on hydrodynamic circulation and dissolved oxygen (DO) distribution in aquaculture ponds using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A model was developed in ANSYS Fluent, where the aerator was represented using a power-based formulation and implemented as a moving wall boundary condition. Dissolved oxygen was modeled as a transported scalar to evaluate its distribution within the flow.

A two-stage approach was followed, beginning with a two-dimensional verification model and extending to a three-dimensional pond domain. Multiple configurations were analyzed, including single, double, and quadruple aerator arrangements, while maintaining a constant total power input to assess efficiency.

Results show that aerator placement and distribution significantly affect mixing and oxygen transport. Configurations with multiple aerators improve spatial coverage and produce more uniform oxygen distribution compared to a single aerator, although vertical mixing remains limited. These findings support the development of more efficient, placement driven aeration strategies for aquaculture systems.

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